Message to the Congress Transmitting the Annual Report on Federal Advisory Committees

May 23, 1985
To the Congress of the United States:

As provided by the Federal Advisory Committee Act, I am pleased to transmit the Thirteenth
Annual Report on Federal Advisory Committees.

Federal advisory committees have been referred to variously as the fourth arm of government or
as a public-private partnership. Known by many names and descriptions, these committees play an
important role in determining public policy and contribute to our Nation's security, economic
vitality, scientific achievements, and quality of life.

In fiscal year 1984, over 25,000 private citizens representing nearly every occupation and
geographical area exemplified our great American tradition of civic service by participating as
members of Federal advisory committees. These individuals devoted countless thousands of hours
of talent and expertise to developing and offering recommendations affecting almost every Federal
program.

Because most advisory committees have low operating costs and the great majority of committee
members serve on a noncompensated basis, the Federal government receives tremendous benefit
for a modest investment. However, committee productivity is not uniform as some committees
have outlived their usefulness while others receive insufficient support and attention from their
sponsoring agencies. In the interest of good management I have directed all executive
departments and agencies to undertake a thorough review of their committees to eliminate those
that are unnecessary and to strengthen management and oversight of those that remain. A task
force of senior agency personnel from several agencies chaired by the General Services
Administration has been commissioned to carry out this initiative during fiscal year 1985.

We shall work in cooperation with the Congress to assure the American people that advisory
committee expenditures are a wise investment and that committee service is a noble and worthy
endeavor.

Ronald Reagan

The White House,

May 23, 1985.

Note: The 131-page report was entitled ``Federal Advisory Committees: Thirteenth Annual
Report of the President -- Fiscal Year 1984.''